After staying in Liangzhou Garrison for so long, evading the sentries was child’s play for He Yan. She avoided every spot where sentries might spot her. Sneaking into the stable outside the training ground, the horses stirred slightly but gradually calmed down under He Yan’s soothing.

The red date-colored horse she had picked earlier remained particularly calm. He Yan stroked its neck and led it out of the stable. As the person and horse walked along the outside of Bai Yue Mountain, just as they reached the Wu Lu River, several dark figures suddenly appeared before them. He Yan’s heart skipped a beat, thinking things had gone wrong – they must have been discovered.

Though she had nothing to hide, she could make up countless excuses, like coming out for night training because she couldn’t sleep. However, the important thing was that her escape plan would have to be abandoned. It might even raise suspicions, making it difficult to leave so easily in the future.

The people opposite didn’t move or call out to stop her as if waiting for her reaction. He Yan was confused until a hushed voice drifted over: “Why isn’t he moving? Don’t tell me he’s scared stiff. I told you we shouldn’t pretend to be ghosts, it’s too frightening!”

He Yan: “…”

The voice belonged to Wang Ba.

She walked forward a few steps and, by starlight, indeed saw it was Wang Ba’s group – besides Wang Ba, there were Jiang Jiao, Huang Xiong, Stone, Hong Shan, and Little Wheat.

“What are you all doing here?” He Yan couldn’t hide her surprise.

“A He, you’re not being fair,” Hong Shan patted her shoulder. “You planned to go to Run Capital alone without saying a word to us? We’re brothers who’ve spent so much time together at Liangzhou Garrison. Couldn’t you have asked us to go with you? We wouldn’t have refused.”

“That’s right,” Little Wheat complained, “I also want to go eat grapes in Run Capital.”

Stone smacked him on the head, and Little Wheat immediately fell silent.

“How… how did you know?” He Yan could barely speak.

“Stone became suspicious when you started asking about Run Capital,” said Huang Xiong, looking at He Yan. “You mentioned earlier that General Fei Hong might not support Run Capital, though we don’t know what made you say that. But from your meaning, it seemed you planned to go to Run Capital yourself. You’re young but cunning, making decisions without consulting anyone, and quite brave too. When Stone guessed you were planning to go to Run Capital alone, he told everyone, and we all decided to accompany you. It’s better to have companions on the road.”

“No!” He Yan refused without thinking. “Run Capital is surrounded by the Wuto people, and the city doesn’t have enough troops. It’s too dangerous for you to go.”

“You know it’s dangerous,” Hong Shan sighed, “wouldn’t going alone be suicide? Together, we might have a chance of survival.”

“No,” He Yan was bewildered, “you don’t even know what I’m going to do, why would you follow me?”

“We do know,” Little Wheat said, “Everyone says you want to save the people of Run Capital.”

He Yan: “You believe that?”

“Why wouldn’t we?” Stone said, “You’ve already saved many people, from Liangzhou Garrison to Jiyang City. Run Capital is just another addition. You wouldn’t do something without confidence, and since you’re going to Run Capital, you must have a solution in mind.”

He Yan smiled bitterly, “But right now, I’m not confident.”

“Then you need us even more,” Huang Xiong fingered the Buddhist beads on his neck. “Honestly, in the first half of my life, I lived only to hunt down my enemy. After getting my revenge, life felt meaningless. I joined the army thinking I could do something worthwhile but staying in Liangzhou Garrison day after day, I haven’t accomplished much. Now there’s a chance to enter a real battlefield – perhaps that’s another way of living.”

Though these men were stubborn, He Yan didn’t want them risking their lives. The Run Capital matter had nothing to do with others. She said, “Leaving Liangzhou Garrison without authorization, regardless of the reason, is defying military orders. Even if we survive Run Capital, we might not survive the consequences.”

Jiang Jiao smiled, “Brother He, don’t worry about us. My family runs a martial arts school, and we’ve taught many officials’ sons. We understand some of the official matters. Aren’t you already a Wu’an Lang? With your seal commanding us, we dare not disobey. Even if we’re caught and punished, they’ll punish you as the instigator – what has it to do with us?”

He Yan: “…”

She didn’t know how to face Jiang Jiao after that.

“So all the worries can be ignored,” The usually straightforward Jiang Jiao showed surprising wisdom in this matter. “We can’t stay here too long. If Brother He keeps delaying, none of us will be able to leave by daybreak.”

Wang Ba sneered, “Why waste so many words with him? If he won’t take us along, we’ll shout and bring all of Liangzhou Garrison’s sentries here – he won’t be able to leave! If he can’t leave today, we’ll block him every day. Unless he takes us, no one’s going anywhere!”

He Yan: “…You’re being too overbearing.”

“How else does one become a bandit?” Wang Ba said impatiently, “Hurry up, stop dawdling. Give us an answer – are we going or not?”

Things had reached this point – if she didn’t take them, forget about today, she’d never be able to leave in the future. He Yan felt helpless, but within that helplessness grew a warm current. She knew that Hong Shan and the others following her – all that talk about eating grapes and going to battle was just an excuse. They simply didn’t want to see her go alone to what they thought was certain death.

In this world, there are both scheming villains and selfless good people.

“I’ll take you,” He Yan squeezed out the words through her teeth, “But did you bring supplies?”

“We did, we did.” Little Wheat showed He Yan what he carried, “We’ve saved up quite a bit of dried food, and snacks for the road. Though Uncle Huang said we shouldn’t bring too much – when we run out, my brother and I can hunt and roast wild game.”

He Yan was speechless that he was still thinking about food at a time like this. Jiang Jiao patted his pack, “Don’t worry, we brought the necessary ointments and weapons. I also brought some money – if needed, we can buy supplies when passing through towns.”

“Anyway, you don’t need to worry about these things.” Wang Ba humphed, “First, go get us each a horse. I saw how quietly you led that horse earlier – pick good ones for us too. We don’t want to tire out on the road.”

He seemed to have had his eye on the horse behind He Yan for a while. He Yan shook her head and said, “Alright, follow me to the stable entrance and wait outside.”

Six horses were led out, each standing obediently before the group.

“We need to bypass the sentry towers now, taking a route that avoids their patrols and line of sight. Follow me, and don’t mount the horses yet – we’ll ride once we’re far enough from the garrison,” He Yan instructed in a low voice.

Seeing her serious tone, the others felt both nervous and excited, probably experiencing the thrill of forbidden activity for the first time.

He Yan was also somewhat nervous. If she were alone, she wouldn’t have thought so much, but with so many people following her, she had to be extra cautious – one mistake would doom them all.

Fortunately, she knew this route very well. Except for Little Wheat and Hong Shan, the others had served in the vanguard and were well-trained in stealth operations. The group safely passed the areas visible from the sentry towers and was about to leave Liangzhou Garrison.

Just then, a faint lantern light appeared.

The light came from around the corner of the woodshed at the garrison’s edge, which they hadn’t seen before reaching the corner. He Yan thought “terrible” at first sight of the light, thinking it was too late now. When she suddenly stopped, the others behind her halted, and Hong Shan asked, “A He, why did you stop?”

The light emerged from around the corner, its weak glow illuminating the newcomer’s eyes. In a snow-white skirt and with delicate features, it was Shen Muxue.

“Lady Shen?” This time, He Yan was truly surprised.

She had thought it might be a sentry taking a break, in which case they’d have to knock him unconscious and flee when he wasn’t looking. But she hadn’t expected Shen Muxue – her quarters weren’t nearby, and at this late hour when everyone was asleep, what was she doing here?

Shen Muxue looked at them, and though somewhat surprised, remained relatively calm. She looked at He Yan and asked softly, “Are you leaving?”

He Yan paused, grabbed her hand, and pushed her into the nearby woodshed, “Come inside to talk!”

Hong Shan and Wang Ba stayed outside with the horses while the others followed He Yan inside. As soon as they entered, He Yan’s expression turned cold as she grabbed Shen Muxue’s throat and demanded coldly, “How did you know?”

Everyone was startled. Little Wheat hurried forward to pull at He Yan’s hand, “Oh no… Brother A He, it’s all a misunderstanding – it was me… I let it slip!”

He Yan looked at him.

“When I… learned everyone planned to go with you, my brother told me to get some medicine for injuries in case we got hurt on the road. We didn’t have much left in our quarters, and I thought Lady Shen was kind-hearted and had plenty of herbs, so I thought to ask her for some.”

But suddenly asking for a large amount of injury medicine without reason made even the usually militarily-disinterested Shen Muxue suspicious. Little Wheat was simple-minded, and Shen Muxue easily got the truth out of him in a few words. Finally realizing his mistake, he begged Shen Muxue, “Lady Shen, please don’t tell anyone. Please.”

Shen Muxue remained silent for a long time. Just when Little Wheat thought she wouldn’t speak, she said, “I understand. I won’t tell anyone.”

Little Wheat and Stone grew up in the mountains, with simple and honest personalities. When Shen Muxue said she wouldn’t tell anyone, he believed her completely. Now seeing the dangerous situation, he tried to persuade He Yan while asking Shen Muxue, “Lady Shen, didn’t you say you wouldn’t tell anyone?”

He Yan’s hand loosened slightly as she stared at Shen Muxue, who returned her gaze coldly and clearly.

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?” He Yan asked.

Shen Muxue had appeared here alone, and so far, no one had come to stop them. As Little Wheat said, Shen Muxue had indeed kept her promise. He Yan hadn’t intended to hurt her, just wanted to frighten the girl a bit. At this point, it was better to be cautious about everything.

“You’re going to Run Capital?” Shen Muxue asked.

He Yan: “Yes.”

“Run Capital is still under siege, surrounded by Wuto people. Going with just these few people, your chances of survival are slim.”

“I must go.”

“Does the Commander know about this?”

He Yan answered: “No.”

“Fine.” Shen Muxue looked into his eyes, “Go then. I won’t stop you.”

He Yan frowned slightly.

Shen Muxue had come specially to wait for them here, yet wasn’t stopping them, as if specifically confirming something.

“You don’t need to doubt me,” Shen Muxue said, “If you’re leaving, hurry. Once dawn breaks, you won’t be able to leave even if you want to.”

She must have her reasons, but He Yan couldn’t guess what they were, only examining her suspiciously.

Huang Xiong, watching the scene before him, was thoughtful. He had seen this before – a handsome and valiant youth, a beautiful and cold maiden, finally breaking through status barriers at parting to show barely contained emotion.

He Yan released her hand, straightened her clothes, and said, “Very well, I’ll trust Lady Shen this once.”

Shen Muxue still looked at her coldly. He Yan could feel her dislike, even hostility, but her secrecy was helping them now. This surprised He Yan. Shen Muxue admired Xiao Jue and naturally took his side in everything, yet now she hadn’t told him about He Yan’s group’s departure, which they were keeping from him.

Even with many questions, this wasn’t the time for hesitation. He Yan stood up, moving to leave, saying, “Farewell.”

Shen Muxue lowered her head. The next moment, a figure flashed before her eyes, and she felt her body go numb, unable to move.

Unable to speak, she could only glare at He Yan.

He Yan nodded to her: “My apologies, Lady Shen, but I still can’t trust you completely. I’ve pressed your pressure points. They’ll naturally release after three hours. Though I expect the recruits collecting firewood will find you before then.”

“I’m deeply grateful for today’s kindness. If we meet again, I’ll certainly repay you.” He Yan cupped her hands in respect, then turned to leave: “Let’s go.”

Little Wheat looked worriedly at Shen Muxue, wanting to release her points but not daring to, only saying apologetically: “I’m sorry, Lady Shen.”

“Please be magnanimous and don’t hold it against Brother He. We don’t know if we’ll survive to meet again. Brother He is just eager to save people,” Jiang Jiao helped apologize. “Lady Shen, please don’t judge us rough folk too harshly.”

After the last person left, the woodshed fell back into darkness except for the faint lantern. Shen Muxue sat against the hay, took a deep breath, and gazed into the distance.

Outside the door, past the corner, lay the main gate of Liangzhou Garrison.

For safety, He Yan didn’t let them mount immediately. Only after walking quite a distance did they prepare to mount their horses.

“Once we leave, we’re gone,” Jiang Jiao looked back toward Liangzhou Garrison. “Who knows what things will be like when we return.”

Little Wheat pouted, still thinking about Shen Muxue immobilized in the woodshed: “We’ve left, but Lady Shen is still stuck in the woodshed. Isn’t she from a wealthy family? She must not be used to such hardship. Brother A He,” he complained, “she’s a girl, you should have been gentler.”

He Yan just smiled without speaking. Huang Xiong heard this and looked at her, “Young Brother He, when you pressed her pressure points earlier, you were trying to help her, weren’t you?”

“Lady Shen will have to pass the sentries on her way back. If they see her, and then learn of our departure tomorrow, it would raise suspicion. By pressing her pressure points, others will think she is controlled rather than deliberately concealing something. She can emerge unscathed. This matter will have nothing to do with her.”

He Yan stretched: “Brother Huang, there’s no point discussing this now. We need to hurry.”

“Right!” Wang Ba mounted his horse, though not daring to speak too loudly, called out: “To Run Capital, let’s go!”

“Move out.”

The voices gradually faded, leaving only the distant sound of hoofbeats. Seven people on seven horses disappeared into the wilderness under the cover of Liangzhou’s night.

…

In summer, the sun rises early, though the morning sun isn’t as fierce as noon. Two garrison soldiers went to the woodshed to carry firewood to the kitchen, needing to prepare meals for tens of thousands before morning exercises. Several soldiers opened the woodshed door, about to enter, when they suddenly saw someone sitting against the wall. Startled, they immediately drew their swords: “Who’s there?”

The person didn’t move. As their eyes adjusted to the incoming sunlight, the soldiers saw it was a beautiful but cold woman with an annoyed look – Shen Muxue.

“Lady… Lady Shen?” They stared, quickly sheathing their swords and apologizing: “We couldn’t see earlier. Why is Lady Shen in the woodshed? Did you run out of firewood for decocting medicine? You could have just told us, why come yourself?”

After their chatter, Shen Muxue still hadn’t spoken. The soldiers fell silent, and one boldly asked: “…Are you angry?”

Still no response.

They looked at each other, and one said: “I think… Lady Shen’s pressure points might have been sealed?”

Though the separation between men and women needn’t be that strict, given Shen Muxue’s special status, none dared to casually release her points. Someone said: “This is serious, quickly inform the Commander!”

Early that morning, Lin Shuanghe was eating. Liangzhou Garrison’s summer days were long and unbearable, and he especially couldn’t stand the heat. His appetite had been poor these days, and he wasn’t sleeping well. As he listlessly ate his porridge, he suddenly heard someone knocking. Opening the door, he saw Shen Han.

“Instructor Shen?”

“Young Master Lin,” Shen Han said, “The Commander wants to see you.”

Usually, Lin Shuanghe sought out Xiao Jue, not the other way around. Lin Shuanghe grew nervous, thinking something might be wrong with Xiao Jue’s health. When he hurriedly reached Xiao Jue’s room, he found Fei Nu there too, and Shen Muxue sitting in a chair while Fei Nu poured her tea.

“Commander, I’m fine. He Yan only sealed my pressure points, nothing else,” Shen Muxue said.

Lin Shuanghe’s heart jumped at hearing He Yan’s name. He walked to Shen Muxue’s side: “What are you talking about? Huai Jin, why did you call me here?”

Shen Muxue answered: “Commander Xiao thought I was unwell and asked Young Master Lin to check my pulse, but there’s no need. I’m a medical practitioner myself and know clearly. Besides, He Yan didn’t do anything else last night.”

Lin Shuanghe grew more confused. What did they mean He Yan sealed her pressure points? Though there might be some tension between them over Xiao Jue, He Yan had the upper hand, so why would she do anything to Shen Muxue?

“I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Lin Shuanghe asked, “Lady Shen, why would Brother He seal your pressure points?”

Shen Muxue looked at Xiao Jue, who remained silent, so she had to answer Lin Shuanghe herself: “Last night, I was decocting medicine and ran out of firewood. I went to the woodshed to get some and encountered He Yan and the others… they were trying to leave Liangzhou Garrison. I wanted to call someone, but He Yan sealed my points. I could only watch them leave.”

“Brother He left Liangzhou Garrison?” Lin Shuanghe asked in surprise, “What for?”

Shen Muxue bit her lip: “From what I heard them say, they’re going to Run Capital.”

Run Capital? Lin Shuanghe immediately said: “Impossible! Everyone knows Run Capital’s current situation. If you said she couldn’t stand Liangzhou’s harsh cold and difficult training and went to some prosperous place, that would make more sense. Going to Run Capital – isn’t that suicide?”

No one in the room responded.

Xiao Jue’s face was unusually cold. Fei Nu was also secretly alarmed. Earlier when discussing Run Capital, He Yan had acted strangely, inexplicably disbelieving that Run Capital would receive General Fei Hong’s support. Though the proposal to send Southern troops to Run Capital was rejected, it now seemed He Yan had never given up the idea.

Even without an army, she was determined to go to Run Capital.

Seeing everyone’s silence, Lin Shuanghe realized this wasn’t false. His mind was in chaos, unable to believe this had happened or understand why He Yan would make such a decision. Finally, after a long while, he asked: “Lady Shen said my Brother He didn’t leave alone – who else went with him?”

Shen Han answered for her: “Also Jiang Jiao, Wang Ba, Stone, Hong Shan, Little Wheat, and Huang Xiong.”

Except for Little Wheat and Hong Shan, four were outstanding members of the vanguard. Shen Han was frustrated – He Yan knew how to choose, taking the best with her.

Just then, the middle door opened and Liang Ping entered from next door, shaking his head at Xiao Jue: “Commander, we’ve searched the rooms – no official robes or seal.”

The missing robes and seal meant He Yan was determined to leave in her capacity as Wu’an Lang. This was truly calculating – even if caught later, she could find loopholes in military law. Everything had been thoroughly planned.

“But… but why?” Lin Shuanghe still couldn’t understand, “Travel thousands of miles just to die?”

But none of them were He Yan – no one could answer why.

Someone knocked outside, and Chi Wu entered. Seeing so many people in the room, he paused, then looked at Xiao Jue, who said: “Speak.”

“Young Master, news came from Luan Ying. The Fourth Young Master Chu who left earlier – his route back to Shuo Capital passes through Run Capital.”

Shen Han and Lin Shuanghe were both shocked – did this mean He Yan was chasing after Chu Zhao?

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, the air suffocatingly stagnant.

After a while, the young man sitting in the room twisted his lips, his beautiful eyes dark with emotion, “Well done indeed.”

Shen Han, Lin Shuanghe: Witnessing a major relationship breakup.

Shen Muxue: The house has collapsed!!!

Chu Zhao: Don’t blame me for this (。